Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡MEM, n., v. Gen.Sc. variant of Eng. ma'am, madame.
I. n. Used vocatively as a respectful form of address.Sc. 1823 Lockhart Reg. Dalton I. 200:
I have no doubt, a very fair action will lie, mem.Sc. 1830 Scott H. Midlothian Intro.:
She said, “Mem, have ye na far mair reason to be happy than me”.Sc. 1893 Stevenson Catriona vii.:
“I'm come after my saxpence, mem”, said I.Abd. 1920 R. H. Calder Gleanings I. 9:
Good luck to yer coos, mem; will ye gie me a drink o' watter?
II. v. To address as mem in a flattering or ingratiating manner.Lth. 1882 P. McNeill Preston 92:
He mem'd me this and mem'd me that.Ayr. 1889 H. Johnston Glenbuckie v.:
“Indeed, mem.” . . . “Ye needna “mem” me . . . I'm a common body.”
